The Nelson Mandela University Council has announced that former government minister, Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, as its new Chancellor.
She succeeds businesswoman, Santie Botha, who finished her term of office late last year.
Dr. Fraser-Moleketi received an honorary doctorate from NMU last year for her extensive contribution to leadership in social and economic transformation, with the specific emphasis on the empowerment of women.
She will assume her role as NMU chancellor from 1 April.
In a statement on Thursday, NMU said that "Dr. Fraser-Moleketi is a leader of high integrity who has devoted her life and career to issues of human rights, equality, and social justice. This drive and commitment over many decades towards empowering others align directly with those of our namesake, making her the ideal titular head of Nelson Mandela University."
Fraser-Moloketi holds a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of Pretoria, is a fellow of the Institute of Politics, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and holds an honorary professorship at Stellenbosch University.
"I am deeply honoured and humbled by this appointment, and hope to serve the University well," she was quoted as saying.
"The University has a huge contribution to make. It is especially key to the economy of the Eastern Cape, and beyond, with its strengths in the sciences, the blue economy and of course, health sciences, with the future medical school."
Dr. Fraser-Moleketi said she hoped to add value in addressing the challenges of inequality, poverty eradication, and job creation.
"I look forward to my tenure with Nelson Mandela University."
(Image: Supplied)
